JAMES FRANKLIN FROM CULCHETH SENTENCED IN SOUTHPORT AND LIVERPOOL FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a case that has shocked the local community, James Franklin, a man originally from Culcheth, has been sentenced to a substantial prison term after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving young girls. The incidents span over a decade, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that has left lasting scars on the victims involved.

Franklin, who at the time of the offenses resided on Peak Avenue in Atherton, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a young girl. The court heard that the abuse began when the girl was only eight or nine years old, with Franklin exploiting her interest in horses as a means to groom her. Over approximately 18 months, his conduct escalated into sexual molestation, causing significant psychological harm. The judge, Judge Robert Warnock, expressed grave concern about Franklin’s actions, stating, “The simple fact is you are a paedophile attracted to pre-pubescent females.”

Judge Warnock further criticized Franklin’s attitude, noting that he appeared to be in denial about his tendencies and was less likely to respond positively to treatment. The judge described Franklin as a “real danger to pre-pubescent females,” emphasizing that he showed no remorse or insight into the gravity of his crimes. Franklin, who showed no visible emotion during the sentencing, appeared to believe the “pathetic reasoning” he offered at trial to deny the allegations.

The court detailed that Franklin’s criminal conduct began around 12 years ago, with grooming behaviors that led to sexual abuse. The victim’s psychological well-being was severely impacted, and the judge expressed concern that the harm might be permanent. The jury convicted Franklin in April of one count of indecency with a child and seven counts of indecent assault, covering a course of conduct that lasted approximately 18 months.

Additional revelations emerged during the proceedings, revealing that Franklin’s abuse was interrupted in November 2003 when police were alerted to allegations of sexual misconduct involving another young girl. Franklin was subsequently jailed for nine months in July of the following year. Despite the initial allegations, the victim at that time was too confused and embarrassed to disclose the full extent of Franklin’s abuse, which complicated the investigation, as explained by prosecutor Nick Kennedy.

Over the years, the victim struggled with the trauma, which was exacerbated by seeing Franklin at equestrian events with his wife. It was only in February of the previous year that she felt confident enough to report the abuse to the police, a decision driven by her increased maturity and desire for justice. Franklin was interviewed by police in April last year, during which he maintained his innocence, denying all allegations.

As part of his sentence, Franklin was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community. Franklin’s defense attorney, David Morton, stated that Franklin had cooperated with the pre-sentence report and was attempting to use his time in prison constructively, hoping to serve as a “listener” for other inmates.

In a separate incident in August 2004, Franklin, then aged 41, was also convicted of indecently assaulting an eight-year-old girl. He was sentenced to nine months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court and ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years. The incident occurred in November 2002 at a mutual friend’s house in Lowton, where Franklin was staying. The judge, Mr. Justice Hughes, acknowledged that the assault involved touching over clothing but expressed concern about the nature of the offense, especially given the victim’s age and the fact that Franklin had been observed watching her prior to the incident.

Franklin’s defense attorney at that time, Anthony O’Donohoe, maintained that Franklin still denied the offense and highlighted his reputation as a hardworking family man. He argued that losing his job and reputation would have severe consequences for Franklin’s family, emphasizing the personal and social impact of the conviction. The case has left a lasting impression on the local community, raising awareness about the importance of vigilance and safeguarding children from such predatory individuals.